Typhoid

Typhoid fever is caused by contaminated water and food. It is a dangerous gut infection and medical help must be sought.

Syptoms

Early syptoms are those of a bad cold or flu on the way, headache, body aches with steadily increasing feverwhich may reach 40\*C or more. Usually with fever the pulse increases but with typhod it decreases. Other syptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation. After about 7 days a few pink spots may appear on the body; trembling, delirium, weakness, weight loss and dehydration may occur. Complications such as pneumonia, perforated bowel or meningitis may occur.

Treatment

Keep the patient cool and make sure the drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. EIther Ciprofloxacin 750 mg twice a day for 10 days or chloramphenicol two 250-mg capsules, four times a day.